The Islamic marriage contract that unites two families in the eyes of God
Immediate family, close relatives, and witnesses. Some families host the Nikah separately from the Baraat (Reception), others combine them.
The Nikah is the Islamic marriage contract - a legally and spiritually binding agreement between the bride (Bride) and groom, conducted in the presence of an Imam (Islamic scholar/officiant) and two adult Muslim male witnesses (or four female witnesses in some schools of thought).
The core of the Nikah is the Ijab-o-Qubool - the offer and acceptance. The Imam asks the groom if he accepts the bride in marriage, and he replies "Qubool hai" (I accept) three times. The bride is asked separately (in her own room or at the same table), and she also accepts three times. This acceptance makes the marriage valid under Islamic law.
Before the ceremony, the Mahr (dowry) must be agreed - a mandatory gift from the groom to the bride. It can be money, gold, property, or anything of value, and it belongs exclusively to the bride. The amount is negotiated and written into the Nikah contract (Nikahnama).
After the Nikah, the Imam recites Dua (prayers) and Surah Al-Fatiha from the Quran. Dates and sweets are distributed.
Bride
Traditional red, maroon, or deep colours - heavily embellished bridal dress (lehnga or gharara). Gold jewellery. Dupatta (head covering) is worn.
Guests
Modest and formal. Women should cover their arms and legs. Heads may be covered inside a Mosque. Men wear sherwani or formal shalwar kameez.
If the Nikah is held in a Mosque, dress very conservatively. Shoes are removed inside.
Pakistani
In Pakistani weddings, the Nikah is the centrepiece of the Baraat day. The groom arrives with his family (Baraat), the Nikah is performed, followed by dinner and the Rukhsati (bride's departure with the groom's family). The following day, the groom's family hosts the Valima reception. Some families hold the Nikah a day before the Baraat as a private family ceremony.
Gift expected at this event
Eidi (cash gift) is given at the Baraat/Reception day. The Mahr is given by the groom to the bride as part of the Nikah contract.
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